RTU Generator switch out

I have a RTU that was donated to my FFA Chapter. A student is working on it for his senior project. It is missing the generator. I was told that it would be best to change it over to 12V and buy an alternator. Is that the best thing to do? What else needs to be changed over? Also I need the part that holds the grill onto the radiator frame. Does anyone have a suggestion on who to contact to get the piece?
 
As far as converting it to 12v, In my opinion if it isnt going to be used at 10 degrees, as long as cables and 6v system is all up to snuff it will work fine on 6v. Not sure who to contact on the grille frame.
 
Alan,

Thanks for the help. We are in California so the cold is not an issue. My next question then is where can I find a generator for my tractor? It did not come with one or the bracket for it.
 
If originality is not an issue it could depend of availability of generator/regulator. If you have to buy new/rebuilt replacement parts the alternator would be less expensive and also more reliable.

To change to 12 volt (assuming it has a distributor and not a mag) you would need direct 12 volt coil or a ballast resistor and 12 volt lights. Original starter and switches should still work. Points and condenser don"t care whether 6 or 12 volt

With alternator you would need to switch from positive to negative ground which would simply be to switch ammeter, coil, and battery connections.
 
In most cases, a distributor will have 4 wires coming out of the top of the cap around the perimeter (one going to each spark plug) plus a fifth wire coming out of the center, which goes to the coil. (I say in most cases, because in rare occasions you will run into a Wico distributor, which is different.)

A magneto will only have the 4 plug wires. Plus, it has an impulse, which makes an audible clicking sound as the engine turns over.

Hope this helps.
 
Thanks for everyones help today on our RTU generator problem! My last question, I now know I have a magento. Can I change it over to a 12 volt alternator or should I try to find a 6V generator for it?
 
(quoted from post at 19:27:33 10/22/13) Thanks for everyones help today on our RTU generator problem! My last question, I now know I have a magento. Can I change it over to a 12 volt alternator or should I try to find a 6V generator for it?
I would say as said before. If you want to go the cheapest route, go with a alternator. If you want to stay original go with the generator.
 
Thanks for everyones help with our RTU. One more question. Does anyone know what a front weight would look like for and RTU model? Also does anyone know where I could find the front housing that holds the grille?
 

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